VANCE STANLEY

Vance Stanley's journey began on February 28, 1935. Born to Lila Rae and Carl Stanley in Gainesville, TX, and raised in Chowchilla, CA, Vance quickly became a young leader and standout letterman in baseball, basketball, football, and track and field at Chowchilla High School in the 1950's. He proudly enlisted in the United States Army after graduation, leaving his small California town for Hawaii. In Hawaii, Vance was able to further pursue his passion for athletics playing both sides of the ball for the Army football team. After a successful playing career for both the Army and then Fresno State College, Vance landed the first of many successful coaching positions, cementing football as both his passion and life's work. Vance's leadership as a coach extended far beyond the field, reaching the personal lives of his players as a mentor, father figure, and friend. Vance's courageous spirit, contagious laugh, unwavering strength, and incredible charm were a gift to all who knew him. He was a skilled outdoorsman who reveled in his yearly adventure to the Kenai River in Alaska, forever appreciative of the beauty of the mountains and the thrill of the catch. He enjoyed classic country music, cooking, dancing, and sports of all kinds. He was a loyal friend who could be found drinking coffee and laughing with a large group on most mornings. Vance was a proud father and grandfather; inspiring and supportive, he encouraged his children and grandchildren to reach their potential. Vance was more than the strongest, most charming, most athletic, and most confident man; he was our Superman. He was always there for us. Vance will be greatly missed by his children, Jeff and Jenny Stanley, Jill Laird, and Jennifer Stanley; their mother, Beverly Giffen; and his siblings, Janice Deniz and Darrell and Erla Stanley. Grandpa Vance's zest for life will forever fill the hearts of his grandchildren and great-grandchild, Blake, Grant, Ethan, Madeleine, Christopher, Matthew, Abby, Ellie, Bridget, Bailey, Libby, and baby Jake. We would like to extend an invitation to his friends and family to join us in celebrating Vance at San Joaquin Country Club on Friday, July 8, 2016, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.